The results of the GISTAR and VOGAS projects are demonstrated at the international conference

The 11th International ICAPS conference: Cancer Prevention by Targeting Infection, Inflammation and the Immune System was was taking place in London, UK, on September 9-10.
Scientific leader of GISTAR and VOGAS projects M.Leja was participating with an inivited lecture entitled “H. pylori Eradication for Gastric Cancer Prevention”.
The design of the GISTAR project and preliminary results, as well as results of the Sniffphone/VOGAS survey of specialists were demonstrated during the presentation.
Conference is organized by The International Cancer Prevention Society (ICAPS) and the UK Therapeutic Cancer Prevention Network (UKTCPN).

The GISTAR project has received funding from ERDF (European Regional Development Fund ) within the framework of 2nd part of measure 1.1.1.1. "Practical Studies", project ID Nr. 1.1.1.1/18/A/184 "Optimisation of H.pylori eradication therapy for population-based gastric cancer prevention"

The VOGAS project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 824986 .

September 9th, 2019

The results of the VOGAS project are presented at the Breath Summit 2019

The Breath Summit 2019 tooks place in UK, Loughborough, September 8-11, 2019. The VOGAS project is represented by a poster presentation (the first author Inese Poļaka) on the reproducibility of breath testing results and the impact of bfood consumption.

The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 824986 .

September 8th, 2019

EHMSG XXXI International Congress is attended by representatives from LU KPMI

At the European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group XXXIIst International Workshop, which took place in Innsbruck, Austria, from 5 to 7 September, scientists from the LU KPMI participated both with poster and oral presentations.

Our team of researchers presented 5 poster and 2 oral presentations.

The conference was attended by JeLizaveta Aleksejeva, Olga Sjomina, Sabine Skrebinska and Reinis Vangravs, residents and graduates of the University of Latvia involved in the scientific work of LU KPMI.

The results of the GISTAR study, VOGAS study and other researches carried out by the institute were reported in the form of stand and oral reports.

Among the most downloaded articles from HELICOBACTER in 2019 - articles of our researchers

Annual Report 2018 of HELICOBACTER Magazine is published (WILLEY Publishing Company) . The magazine is one of the world's leading publications (IF = 3.52).

The University of Latvia ranks third in the list of institutions whose authors have had the highest impact in 2018, following the Seoul National University in Korea and Ghent University in Belgium.

In 2019 (up to date), among the most downloaded articles - article by Olga Sjomina ranked second place, a researcher at the Institute of Clinical and Prophylactic Medicine at the University of Latvia, while Sabīne's Skrebinska's - ranked 5th (both first authors).

Congratulations to the researchers for this high score!

September 3rd, 2019

At the European Mission Board for Cancer Latvia will be represented by Director of KPMI Marcis Leja

Today, the European Mission Board for Cancer gathered for its first meeting in Brussels. A total of five mission boards (other EU priorities: Clean Cities, Clean Oceans, Clean Environment and Nutrition, Adaptation to Climate Change) have been set up under the new EU Horizon Europe program to translate scientific excellence into practice and translate it into a language understandable to the public. So in the field of medicine and health, Mission Board for Cancer is the only one that has received such EC support.
The Board is chaired by Harald zur Hausen, a 2008 Nobel laureate in physiology and medicine, whose family roots are in Riga. The Board has a total of 15 members, selected from more than 350 applications. Latvia will be represented in the Council by Marcis Leja, Estonia by Andres Metspalu, the head of the biobank and the creator of the genome center; The Council also includes several representatives of Scandinavian countries, incl. representatives of patient organizations and the new director of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), Elisabeth Weiderpass.

In the pictures: Director of LU KPMI M.Leja In the front view: Director of DG R&I Kurt Vandenberghe

September 2nd, 2019

The GISTAR Jekabpils Regional Center is launched

In cooperation with Jekabpils Regional Hospital, the GISTAR (largest study of LU KPMI) Regional center in Jekabpils has started its work. On its first working day the center was visited by the first three respondents. In total, 8 319 respondents have already been included in the study.

The University of Latvia held a competition for budget doctoral positions in medicine.
The competition was successfully attended by KPMI scientists - Linda Mežmale (topic related to the use of volatile marker diagnostics for gastric cancer screening) and Inga Bogdanova (topic related to specialized morphological examination methods for detection of gastric pre-cancerous conditions).

Congratulations and good luck!

August 13th, 2019

Training for employees of Jekabpils Regional Center of GISTAR study

Today at the Academic Centre of the University of Latvia the future employees of the regional GISTAR centre in Jekabpils are undergoing tuition. Scientific leader of the GISTAR study professor Mārcis Leja introduces new employees with the relevance of gastrointestinal cancer in Latvia and globally, as well as reports the significance and essential details of the GISTAR study. During the training, the new team is introduced to the research protocol, questionnaire, specifics of interviewing, as well as the GISTAR data management system.

During the training courses, the new employees are learning the practical skills necessary for the study, as well as how the participants are included in the study. The work is carried out in pairs, the future employees are undergoing tuition, such as questioning, the input of data into the DVS system, standards of taking blood tests and blood sampling, as well as the carrying out, preparation and storage of saliva tests, and the procedures for performing breath tests. Specific diet questions are also studied.

The launch of GISTAR study at Jekabpils regional hospital is scheduled for September this year.

The project has received funding from ERDF (European Regional Development Fund ) within the framework of 2nd part of measure 1.1.1.1. "Practical Studies", project ID Nr. 1.1.1.1/18/A/184 "Optimisation of H.pylori eradication therapy for population-based gastric cancer prevention"

August 13th, 2019

The Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine is moving to new premises

From August 19, the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine will be located in the new premises at 1 Gaiļezera Street.

Welcome!

July 22nd, 2019

Experience has been exchanged within the framework of the VOGAS project

A senior post-doctoral researcher of the University of Innsbruck Dr. Pawel Mochalski, Head of the Endoscopy department of National Cancer institute of Ukraine MD Irina Razumeiko and Clinical Oncologist of the Department of minimally invasive and endoscopic surgery, interventional radiology MD Veronika Patsko, came on an experience exchange within the framework of the VOGAS project.
The purpose of the visit of foreign colleagues was shareing of experience and approbation of methods in the process of obtaining volatile organic markers and stomach biomaterials, equipment assembly and use issues, as well as discussion of current issues of the VOGAS project.

LU KPMI staff - researcher Dr. Viktor Velik and senior laboratory technician Marina Alentieva, as well as Ukrainian colleagues MD Veronika Patsko and MD Irina Razumeiko, were trained in the installation and use of volatile organic marker equipment by Dr. Pawel Mochalski.
Also, the laboratory assistant Marina Alenteva together with Ukrainian colleagues conducted a questionnaire of the patient before the operation.
Dr. Pawel Mochalski and Reinis Vangravs, a research assistant at the LU KPMI, discussed the issues of culturing Helicobacter pylori.
LU KPMI Leading Researcher Dr.med. Sergey Isayev showed Ukrainian colleagues how to take biomaterial for research, as well as told about the pre-cancerous state of the stomach and the histopathology of the tumor.

During the visit gastroenterologist, gastrointestinal endoscopy specialist Dr.med. Ilze Kikuste demonstrated the gastric juice collection and gastric tissue biopsy procedures used in the study to foreign guests, as well as questions about entering patient and examination data into the Biobank electronic system.

At the end of the visit, a tour of the Academic Center of the University of Latvia was organized for the guests, and the LU KPMI laboratories and Biobank premises in the Nature House were shown.

Today Pawel Mochalski (Innsbruck University) is delivering a presentation on breath analysis to physicians and endoscopy nurses in Digestive Diseases Centre GASTRO (Riga, Latvia), the strategic partner for University of Latvia. GASTRO is the leading endoscopy and gastroenterology expert in Latvia, and this is planned that patients being referred for endoscopy to this centre will be recruited to the VOGAS project. Furthermore, GASTRO is going to share its expertise in endoscopy-related issues in research.

LU KPMI researcher Ģirts Šķenders from 29.06. until 03.07 participated in the partner working and planning meeting of the Horizon H2020 project PITBUL (“Point-of-care Implementation of TB testing with Ultra-Fast Local heating PCR”) and at the European Society of Mycobacteriology (Valencia, Spain).
At the meeting G. Šķenders gave a presentation "Insights into the clinical workflow. Clinical samples".
From 03.07. until 05.07 Mr. Šķenders participated in the PITBUL Project Partner Reporting Meeting in Brussels, Belgium, at the European Commission, DG Research & Innovation.

The Horizon 2020 'Health, demographic change and wellbeing' Open Info Day is going on in Brussels, linked to the opening of the last H2020 project competition. KPMI is also represented at the event, when planning future project applications.

June 28th, 2019

At the United European Gastroenterology Federation is discussing the future of gastroenterology in Europe

In Amsterdam, an annual meeting of the United European Gastroenterology Federation (UEG) was held with the presidents of the 17 European associations that make up the federation. At the meeting The European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group(EHMSG) was represented by M.Leja.

The meeting focused on the future of European gastroenterology - strategic development issues, raising awareness at European Parliament level, support for education and science, as well as membership status issues.

Latvia in this European organization is represented by the Latvian Association of Gastroenterologists through the National Societies Committee, and our country is represented by EHMSG, ESDO (European Society of Digestive Oncology) and a group of young talents. Vitas Skuja's active participation in the group of young talents at European level, which is a very good example for other countries, was very much welcomed. A group of surgeons is being created in the group of young talents, where also Latvian surgeons can participate.

June 26th, 2019

GISTAR study in new Jekabpils regional center already in September

The Institute's largest project - GISTAR Study on Digestive Diseases - will start its operation in September this year at Jekabpils Regional Hospital.

Researchers of the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of the University of Latvia working together with many international organizations, incl. Healthy Stomach Initiative and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has made it possible to carry out a study on the prevention of digestive diseases GISTAR, with support of the Latvian Ministry of Health. So far the study has been carried out in Cesis, Aluksne, Ludza, Dobele, Saldus, Tukums, Madona and Rezekne, and 8,316 respondents are already included in the study. But from September this year, the project will be launched in Jekabpils.

Currently, the study in Jekabpils is planned to be completed by the end of 2020, but in case of higher activity of the population, the possibility of continuing its implementation for longer will be evaluated.

International conference GASTRO 2020 which is Co-Organized by World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO) and Czech Society of Gastroenterology is going to be held on December 3 - 5, 2020 in Prague.

This conference will be an exceptional challenge to help to accomplish the mission of WGO and take opportunity to exchange the thoughts, experience, comments and information on all current major issues of gastroenterology and hepatology with respect to region-specific socioeconomic background as well as cultural and historical aspects.

Our colleagues Linda Mežmale and Anna Krigere graduated from University of Latvia, Faculty of Medicine, obtaining a doctor's degree.
At the graduation ceremony, the young doctors received acknowledgment of their outstanding diploma work from the Rector of the University of Latvia, Indriķis Muižnieks. Theme of Linda Mežmale diploma work “Analysis of Helicobacter pylori infection and atrophic gastritis spread in the Kazakh population”, Anna Krigere diploma work theme - “Analysis of Status of Colorectal Cancer Screening Programs in European Countries”.

Professor Mārcis Leja, director of our institute, is the scientific director of both works.

From June 10 to 14 KPMI leading researcher dr.sc.ing. Inese Poļaka under the postdoctoral project (research application No. 1.1.1.2/VIAA/2/18/270) attended the Metagenomics Bioinformatics Course at European Molecular Biology Laboratory of the European Bioinformatics Institute. In this course, Europe's leading bioinformatics experts teach young scientists the latest and well-proven approaches of analyzing metagenoma sequencing data.
Metagenoma analysis is particularly important for understanding the composition, interaction and impact of bacteria and other micro-organism populations on human health. By obtaining a sample from a human microbioma, it is analyzed by obtaining the rows of basic pairs of genetic information. Bioinformatics techniques allow them to obtain information about organisms (such as identifying which bacteria live in our digestive tract) and their functions.
After completing this course dr. Polaka will be able to apply knowledge for the analysis of gastric and intestinal microbial metagenoma data obtained in KPMI projects, and will share his knowledge in seminars in the near future. Keep up with the news!

June 11th, 2019

6th World Conference on Research Integrity is held in Hong Kong

From June 2 to 5, leading researcher of KPMI Signe Mežinska participated in the 6th World Conference on Research Integrity in Hong Kong (http://www.wcri2019.org/), representing the H2020 project VIRT2UE. The aim of the project is to promote research ethics and integrity in European research. The Embassy of Good Science website (https://www.embassy.science/) was opened during the conference. The purpose of the site is to help scientists implement the principles of good research practice by providing answers to questions such as: what are the principles and standards of good scientific practice? how to solve the ethical dilemmas that scientists face in their practice? What to do if you suspect a colleague violates the principles of good research practice?
The site is unique because it is built using Semantic MediaWiki software that allows the scientific community to collaborate to create site content. Scientists can participate in creating content on the site by asking questions, providing answers to them, and supplementing and correcting the content of the platform.
Over the next two years, the H2020 project VIRT2UE and ENERI consortia will continue to build The Embassy of Good Science by compiling research ethics and integrity guidelines, educational resources and case studies. In both consortia participates 19 European universities and organizations, incl. the University of Latvia and the total budget of projects is nearly 7 million euros. In Riga in 2020, a regional training program for teachers of research ethics and integrity will be organized as part of the VIRT2UE project.

June 10th, 2019

LU KPMI employees participate in the Sports Games of the University of Latvia

In order to promote sport and healthy lifestyle, on June 7 this year the LATVIAN UNIVERSITY SPORTS GAMES 2019 took place in the recreation and conference complex “RATNIEKI”, where our institute team participated for the second time.

In a total of 19 teams, 18th place was won. However, our team heroically fought and from all 17 disciplines we got the best results in croquet - 2nd place.

Thanks for team members!

June 3rd, 2019

At the radio programme speaks of the importance, operation and promotion of biobanks

The Latvian Radio broadcasted a program called "The Known in the Unknown", which was attended by Signe Mežinska and Daiga Šantare, the leading researcher of the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of the University of Latvia. The theme of the broadcast was the role of biobanks in modern medical research and public awareness and attitude towards them. These issues are currently being studied by the Institute within the framework of the project “Management of Ethical and Socially Responsible Research Biobanks in Latvia: Analysis of Opinions of Society, Donors and Scientists” funded by LZP. The researchers of the project conducted a survey of Latvian residents, in which repeatedly asked questions about biobanks from the Eurobarometer survey conducted in 2010, currently obtained data is being analyzed.
Research biobanks are collections of human biological samples (blood, tissues, urine, breath, etc.). Biobanks accumulate both biological samples and related information, such as the age of the donors, the disease, the results of the analyzes. In order for biobanks to develop and accumulate samples and information that can be used in publicly relevant medical research, it is necessary that citizens are aware of biobanks, trust them and that a large part of the public is ready to donate their biological samples for scientific research. Survey data show that currently only 25% of the population have heard of biobanks. These data suggest that the public needs to be better informed about the functioning of biobanks, their role and the ability of citizens to donate biological samples to biobanks.

Visits a nanosensor manufacturing laboratory as part of the ERASMUS + program

Within the framework of ERASMUS + program from 12.05.2019 to 22.05.2013 KPMI researcher Viktors Veliks stayed in Israel - at the Professor of Technology Institute TECHNION Hossam Haick Laboratory. The laboratory is engaged in the research of nanosensor manufacturing and its practical application.
Priority research directions are related to the use of sensors in medicine, the detection of dissolved substances in water, and the use of a new generation of self-renewing polymers for nanosensors.
During the visit, the lecture "Biological aspects of exposure to electromagnetic field" was read.
During laboratory visits, sensor manufacturing and calibration equipment were handed over. In practice, calibration measurements of gold nanoparticle sensors were performed, as part of a newly manufactured sensor test and for volatile markers in the breath sample using gas chromatography mass spectrometry.

May 24th, 2019

Honors diplomas with excellence!

23.05.2019 Anna Krigere and Linda Mezmale, who worked on the basis of the KPMI and together with the scientific team of the Institute, defended their diploma papers at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Latvia. Anna Krigere's theme - “Analysis of the Status of Colorectal Cancer Screening Programs in European Countries”. The theme of Linda Mezmales' work "Analysis of Helicobacter pylori infection and atrophic gastritis spread in the Kazakh population".
Congratulations to colleagues and best wishes to continue the work!

May 20th, 2019

Reports on VOGAS project activities

In San Diego (USA) on 19.05.2019. The International Healthy Stomach Initiative Meeting was held, in which M. Leja reported on the H2020 VOGAS project activities.

May 17th, 2019

LU KPMI participates in New Technology and Innovation Day

Today at the University of Latvia (LU) Academic Center, 3 Jelgavas Street, at the Science House, the New Technology and Innovation Day takes place.

Within the framework of this event LU KPMI will introduce the work of Institute, as well as will tell about Volatile Marker Projects, Helicobacter, Microbiology, Biobank, Ethical Projects. Equipment will be shown, and anyone interested will be able to perform breath tests.

KPMI video created within the framework of the New Technology and Innovation Day - HERE.

May 15th, 2019

Plans to develope a patch for diagnosing active tuberculosis

EU-H2020 project A-PATCH meeting is takeing place in Haifa, Israel, wich is also attended by LU KPMI.
The project aims to develop a patch (sticker) for skin that incorporates sensors and is designed to detect active tuberculosis.
Inclusion of patients in the project is planned in close cooperation with Riga East Clinical University Hospital.

In the picture: Deputy Director of KPMI Ģirts Šķenders reports on activities planned by Latvian research team

May 13th, 2019

KPMI team participates in international conference

An international conference "Wearable Devices for Medical Diagnosis" has been launched by the Israeli leading technology university, TECHNION, which has regular cooperation with the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine (KPMI) of the University of Latvia . Such a conference, which is also supported by the Israeli Ministry of Science, is expected to be organized annually.

The report on "Single-use electronics for gastrointestinal disease: the current applications and a view toward the perspective" was presented by Director of KPMI M.Leja.

May 12th, 2019

VOGAS Consortium Meeting

In Haifa, Israel, a consortium meeting of the EU Horizon 2020 project VOGAS is held with the aim of analyzing the work done in the previous period and planning future activities.

In the foreground: Victor Velik, the leading researcher at the LU KPMI, during the meeting

April 18th, 2019

Happy Easter!

Wishing you a vey Happy Easter with hope,

That you will have many blessings in the year to come.

April 12th, 2019

Creates an innovative training program on research ethics for scientists

Leading Researcher of KPMI Signe Mežinska participated in the H2020 project VIRT2UE working meeting in Athens on April 3-4. As a member of this project consortium, KPMI participates in the development of an innovative training program for scientists on research ethics. The aim of the project is to put into practice the European Code of Conduct for Research on Integrity of the European Academies of Sciences. Within this project, regional courses (for scientists from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland and Finland) will be organized at the University of Latvia in 2020, during which teachers of the new research ethics training program will be prepared. The content of the training program was developed and discussed during the meeting in Athens.

April 9th, 2019

Group of employees from LU KPMI and AHL visits the leading pathology laboratory in Europe

Staff from Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of the University of Latvia (LU KPMI) and Academic Histology Laboratory (AHL) - Sergey Isayev, Inga Bogdanova, Anda Averate, Indra Klišča and Inga Locāne on April 1-3 visited the leading pathology laboratory in Europe, the Department of Pathology of the Porto Clinical University Hospital in Porto, Portugal.
During the visit, the Latvian delegation become acquainted with the work of the laboratory organization and the methods used in clinical work and scientific research, including laboratory quality system and supervision, laboratory workflow, modern equipment, new molecular pathology methods, and more complex cases of clinical pathology, participated in meetings and daily work of the department.
The Latvian delegation hosted professor Fatima Carneiro - Head of the Department of Pathology at the Clinical University of Porto, the leading expert in gastrointestinal pathology in the world.
Together with prof. Karneiro was discussed current and future co-operation in scientific research, as well as the most complicated histotopatological cases of projects implemented by LU KPMI - GISTAR and SNIFFPHONE.
The experience gained during the visit will significantly increase the competence of Latvian pathologists and biomedical laborants in local and international projects implemented by LU KPMI in the future.

March 29th, 2019

The regional center of the GISTAR study concludes its activities in Rezekne

Today Regional Center of the largest study of Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of University of Latvia (LU KPMI) - GISTAR has concluded its activities.

The aim of the study is to look for new strategies to reduce stomach cancer mortality.

In total, 2 409 respondents were included in this center between 3 April 2017 and 29 March 2019 (women - 1 480, men - 929, respectively).

Research scientific leader, professor of the University of Latvia Mārcis Leja thanked the Chairman of Rezekne City Council Aleksandrs Bartaševičs and Gunārs Arbidāns, Head of the “Social Service” of the City Council, for their responsiveness and support for the implementation of the research in Rezekne City, as well as employees of Rezekne Research Center for the work done.

In Latvia, the GISTAR study was launched in October 2013 in Cesis, and so far it has also taken place in Latvian cities such as Aluksne, Ludza, Saldus, Tukums, Dobele and Madona. There is a positive trend: the number of respondents in each of the next research centers is increasing. For comparison 761 respondents were included in the Cēsis Regional Center, Ludza - 1 018, Saldus - 1 077.

The GISTAR team is planning to expand the research to other municipalities in Latvia and is already actively communicating with Jēkabpils local government representatives about the launch of the study this autumn.

In total, 8 316 respondents have already been included in the GISTAR study in Latvia.

March 25th, 2019

Call for Abstracts for the EHMSG XXXIInd International Workshop

The XXXIInd International Workshop on Helicobacter and Microbiota in Inflammation and Cancer be will be held in Innsbruck, Austria on September 5 - 7, 2019.

Competition for post-doctorial positions will bee soon announced in Latvia. Institute of Clinical and Preventive medicine of the University of Latvia is willing to suggest few topics to the potential candidates.

We invite potential candidates having defended their PhD degree in the last 10 years to send their CV to the following e-mail address:

inese.veckagane@lu.lv

March 18th, 2019

DSMB Committee meeting of the GISTAR study will be 3 October

For several years now, in Latvia, together with researchers from the University of Latvia Clinical and Preventive Medicine Institute and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the GISTAR study - only such study in Europe has been conducted. The results of the study are expected by many specialists in Europe and beyond.
European experts (gastroenterologists, pathologists, epidemiologists, basic science representatives) who have agreed to participate in the GISTAR study Data Safety and Monitoring Board (DSMB) this year will gather in Riga for the 3rd DSMB meeting - on Thursday, 03 October 2019, with the aim to critically look at the results of the study and their compliance with the requirements of a wide range of world-class epidemiological studies.

March 11th, 2019

The GISTAR study progress is reported at the Symposium in Korea

On March 8-9, 2019 the 27th Annual Meeting of the Corean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal research & the 16th Japan-Korea Joint Symposium on Helicobacter Research was taking place in Busan, Korea. Altogether 380 participants from 21 countries were present, mainly from the Asian region. Director of LU KPMI Mārcis Leja was invited to report on the course and primary results of the GISTAR study during the International symposium “Primary prevention strategy for gastric cancer in high-risk regions” that was held during this meeting. The symposium was chaired by the other principal investigator of GISTAR Rolando Herrero (IARC).

Among the authors of the latest article published in the "Endoscopy" magazine - two researchers of LU KPMI

In the latest issue of the academic magazine ENDOSCOPY is published an article Management of epithelial precancerous conditions and lesions in the stomach (MAPS II): European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE), European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group (EHMSG), European Society of Pathology (ESP), and Sociedade Portuguesa de Endoscopia Digestiva (SPED) guideline update 2019.

Among the authors there are two researchers of the KPMI - dr. Mārcis Leja and dr.med. Ilze Kikuste.

Congratulations to the authors with this publication!

For the reference: Endoscopy is a monthly peer-reviewed medical journal published by Thieme Medical Publishers on behalf of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. The journal covers all aspects of gastrointestinal endoscopy and also publishes ESGE guidelines and an annual review of the most recent literature.

Today in Moscow at the European Association for Gastroenterology, Endoscopy and Nutrition (EAGEN) postgraduate training course "Clinical decisions in gastroenterology - tailored from guidelines to the individual need" takes place.
At the course the patient's experience of treatment at the Oncology Centre of Latvia ofRiga East University Hospital will be demonstrated, where the patient's life has been significantly prolonged as a result of successful treatment by the team (the patient continues to receive treatment now).
The case study for presentation in the course has been prepared by a hospital chemotherapist and PhD student of the University of Latvia Dr.Evita Gashenko.

A group of students from Kazakhstan arrives at the International Medical Conference of the University of Latvia

To participate in the International Scientific Conference on Medicine of the University of Latvia (held at the 77th International Scientific Conference of the University of Latvia), which takes place at the University of Latvia's newly discovered Science House, on February 19th a group of 16 students from Kazakhstan, Astana Medical University and Semipalatinsk State Medical University arrived in Riga.
The leader of the group is MD, PhD, Professor Nurbek Igissinov (doctor - oncologist, public health specialist; professor of the Department of Surgical Diseases at Astana Medical University; Chairman of the Central Asian Cancer Institute).

The student group consists mainly of general medical specialization students, interns and residents with specialization in surgery.

At the the International Scientific Conference on Medicine of the University of Latvia group from Kazakhstan participates with 3 oral and 13 stand reports.

In order to attract the attention of people who have not yet experienced digestive diseases and to tell the general public stories how to test it, on February 4th, "Expert Discussion - Digestive System Health Prevention" was broadcast live in the Knowledge Space "Zikrurat".

The discussion was attended by the director of the KPMI, gastroenterologist Marcis Leja, who told about colorectal tumors, stressing that slightly more rectal tumors are for men, H.pylori problems, renewed EU Maastricht criteria and other issues.

Discussion topics - general information about intestine diseases and their severity, consequences. The reasons we get sick with intestinal diseases. Risks. How to recognize symptoms, what to do. Preventive action to avoid getting sick. Every responsibility for their own health, regular health check, state-funded intestinal cancer testing. Conclusions, practical suggestions.

At the VOGAS H2020 Project Opening Meeting (31.01-02.02.2019, Kuhtai, Austria) KPMI researchers participated in discussions on the development of a clinical trial protocol together with the medical staff involved in the project from Latvia, Ukraine, Chile, Colombia and Brazil.

In turn, with researchers from Germany, Sweden and Israel researchers discussed the improvements in the prototype of the stationary breath analyzer for both sensor and software applications.

The aim of the VOGAS H2020 project is to clarify the sources of volatile markers, to perform the clinical approbation of the latest generation stationary breath analyzer for early diagnosis of cancer. Using the latest generation of stationary breath analyzers to detect volatile markers, take part in an international stomach cancer screening program to improve this non-invasive method of for diagnosis of cancer.

February 4th, 2019

The Director of the Institute M.Leja was awarded the Annual Award of the University of Latvia

On February 1st, at the University of Latvia's Great Hall, during the annual general meeting, the annual awards of the University of Latvia: “Achievement in Science”, “School Award”, “Employee of the Year” and “Rector's Gratitudes” were presented.

We are proud to announce that director of our institute, Professor of the University of Latvia, Mārcis Leja, was awarded the nomination “Achievement in Science” for the results of the original study.

Employees of the University of Latvia who had outstanding academic results were awarded the nomination "Achievement in Science". The awards were presented by Rector Indriķis Muižnieks together with Vice-Rectors Ina Druviete and Valdis Segliņš.

February 1st, 2019

At the Sniffphone project meeting discusses the results of the work

From 28 to 30 January 2019, LU KPMI researchers participated in the Sniffphone meeting of the EU research program Horizon 2020 in Kuhtai (Austria), where they met with project partners from Austria, Germany, Israel and Finland. At the meeting the results of 3 years of work before the project was completed this year were discussed.
Within the Sniffphone project was developed a prototype of a small breath analyzer. The operation of this device was tested in a clinical study to determine the difference in respiratory response between gastric cancer patients and healthy subjects. LU KPMI researchers are responsible for this clinical study and conducted it in collaboration with Riga East University Hospital.
The device is able to distinguish between the breathing of cancer patients and healthy people with more than 70% sensitivity and specificity, which is a promising project achievement. This device will be further developed and has potential for application for risk assessment and monitoring of other diseases.

January 21st, 2019

At the EHMSG meeting informs about the progress of KPMI research projects

The Board meeting of European Helicobacter and Microbiota Study Group (EHMSG) was taking place in France. The Board members were updated on the progress of the GISTAR study as well as microbiome studies conducted by the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine, University of Latvia. The Board members decided to launch a new international research journal “Microbiome in Health and Disease” and supported the candidates proposed by our institute Olga Sjomina, Zane Dzērve and Anna Krīgere for participation to the course supported by BIOCODEX on research paper manuscript preparation.

January 20th, 2019

In Lion discusses the progress and results of the GISTAR study

On January 18th the progress and results of the largest research study of KPMI - GISTAR was discussed at The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in Lyon (France), as well as planned out analysis and publication of the obtained data, the Data Safety and Monitoring Board(DSMB) meeting in 2019, and further study progress.

January 18th, 2019

At the Workshop reports on the possibilities of stomach cancer prevention

From 16 till 18 of January Workshop on Implementation of Cancer Screening Programmes organized by The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) / The World Health Organization (WHO)- EURO took place in Lyon (France).
At the Workshop a lecture on the possibilities of stomach cancer prevention as well as on a GISTAR study going on in Latvia was delivered by the director of KPMI M.Leja.

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January 2nd, 2019

The GISTAR study already includes 8,150 respondent

We are proud to announce that by the end of 2018, 8 150 respondents have already been included in the largest study by the Institute of Clinical and Preventive Medicine of the University of Latvia - GISTAR. The study was launched in October 2013 in Cesis, and so far it has taken place in such cities of Latvia as Aluksne, Ludza, Saldus, Tukums, Dobele and Madona. Currently the research center in Rezekne continues its activity. There is a positive trend: the number of respondents in each of the next research centers is increasing. For comparison, 761 respondents were included in the Cēsis Regional Center, Ludzas - 1018, and 1077 in Saldus. There are already 2200 respondents included in the research center of Rezekne.